Maple Leafs' Chris Tanev Returns To A Reeling Blueline For Big Game vs. Panthers

In less than a full season, Chris Tanev has proven to be the glue that holds the Toronto Maple Leafs blueline together. During his six-game absence since late February, the team has allowed an average of over four goals per game, going 3-2-1.

Which makes Thursday afternoon's announcement that he has been activated off injured reserve a huge relief for the Leafs, as they get set to engage the Florida Panthers in as big a regular-season game as they've had this season, and as close to a playoff game as you can get.

Not insignificant. #Leafs https://t.co/PaXEvBh3DM
— Terry Koshan 🇺🇦 (@koshtorontosun) March 13, 2025

Tanev was a full participant in Thursday morning's practice, and his activation comes just hours ahead of the big Atlantic Division tilt, with the Leafs and Panthers separated by just two points, Florida with a slim lead atop the division, but Toronto with a game in hand.

How important is Tanev to the Toronto blueline? Aside from his 151 blocked shots in 57 games, and a plus/minus rating of +26, the Leafs have a plus-17 goal differential when Tanev is on the ice at 5-on-5, and own a 52% share of the expected goals. But that has dropped to a 37% share of expected goals at 5v5 in the six games he missed.

Tanev, 35, signed a six-year free agent deal with the Leafs last offseason, with a $4.5 million AAV.

Needless to say, it was money well-spent thus far. But they'll need him to stay healthy for the playoffs.